[themaclad]

Preston North End are pleased to confirm Ali McCann has joined the club from St Johnstone for an undisclosed fee.

The central midfielder has put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the Lilywhites, making the move from Callum Davidson’s Scottish Premiership side.

McCann, 21 years old, is currently away on international duty with Northern Ireland, who he has earned six caps for, and he will join up with his new PNE team-mates next week.



Speaking after signing for the club, Ali said: “It’s brilliant, it’s been such a long day today. I’m just so buzzing to get it all sorted and get it over the line and I just can't wait to get back and get in with the lads next week.

"St Johnstone are a great club. I’ve been there since I was young so it was difficult leaving because they’ve done so much for me when I’ve been growing up, but an opportunity to move down to a club like this is just too much to pass up and I just can’t wait to get started.

"I try and do every part of the game. I try and put myself around, getting forward, getting back, getting involved. I put myself into tackles, pressing high, I also try and chip in with goals at the other end so hopefully I can do that and the fans will take to me which is what I’ll try and do."

The Edinburgh-born man has been at St Johnstone since 2012 and was part of their side which made history last season by winning the domestic cup double.

Since making his debut for the Saints in 2018, McCann has made almost 100 appearances in Scottish football, 43 of them coming in a famous campaign last term.

Head coach Frankie McAvoy told PNE.Com: “It's magnificent, it’s a brilliant signing for Preston North End. He’s one of the best young players in Scotland.

"He’s done remarkably well playing at St Johnstone. He’s a full international with Northern Ireland so we’re absolutely delighted to get the deal done.

"I cannot thank Mr Hemmings, Peter [Ridsdale] and Craig Hemmings enough for getting the deal done which has been stressful to say the least, but we’ve managed to get it over the line which is brilliant and I’m really looking forward to him coming in and being a part of our squad.

"He's a very dynamic midfield player and I’m sure I’ll add a lot to our squad."

Preston North End are pleased to confirm the arrival of Josh Murphy on a season-long loan from Cardiff City.

26-year-old Murphy is a familiar face for head coach Frankie McAvoy, with the two having worked together during their time at Norwich City.

The attacker boasts a wealth of Championship experience, with 187 appearances in the Championship to his name, as well as 38 appearances in the Premier League.



Speaking after completing the loan move, Josh said: "I’m really excited, I’ve always had tough games playing at Deepdale, I know the manager quite well and it’s something I’m looking forward to. I know some of the players as well so it’s an opportunity I’m excited for.

"It was a big factor [Frankie being head coach], going back to the Norwich days he really helped me in my early development so it was a no brainer coming to Preston and having the chance to work with him.

"Hopefully I can repay him and the club and the faith they have put in to me with lots of good performances, goals and assists."

Murphy finalised his move in Cardiff this evening and will join up with his new team-mates in Euxton on Wednesday.

Frankie McAvoy added: "I obviously know Josh well having had him at Norwich City. He’s a very dynamic player, he's got explosive pace and can play in wide areas or through the middle which he did at Cardiff last season and we’re just delighted to get the deal done.

"Getting the deal over the line is magnificent and I’d like to thank Cardiff City as well for their help. We’re absolutely delighted with the addition and can't wait for him to get into training."